Any advice for the first timers?

[lisey]

It's nice to have someone there. I wouldn't want to be on my own. I won't want back rubs or fussing though, just annoying. I can't wait to see my OH with baby for the first time though xx

 

[Leighwiltshire]

i know - i cant wait to see him hold his son.

 

[kumber]

My advice is take the pain relief if you need it. I've done it on G&A in a pool which was manageable, and I've done an induction on no pain relief. I don't recommend it at all Had I had G&A, it would have been much easier, that stuff is AMAZING.

I agree with the ladies when they say go with the flow, stay open to needing and having everything, and anything you don't have is a bonus

 

[redbear]

I love labour!! I find it so good. I was crying I was so scared before my first labour and I've had two now and loved labour both times.
I had on land births because the water was unavailable both times! Anyway I had gas and air and talked to the midwives and my husband. And theb yeah pushed a baby out at the end. I know I'm unusual and some women have a horrible time but I wanted to put a positive story out there. Go with your body and how you feel xx

 

[weeyin]

Best advice I could give is to go in with an open mind, open to all options made available to you x

 

[SalisburyMum]

Doggy style - best way to get em in, best way to get em out.

Is the top advice I can give you.

 

[millielaura]

I hated OH rubbing my back lol!

I loved the whole labour thing. I didn't enjoy the pain at the time but it really does all just melt away when you hold them. Someone needs to bottle the high you get the first day baby is born and no one would ever be depressed again lol! Is just amazing! Xxx

 

[Leighwiltshire]

im going in with an open mind - nothing i can do can change what will happen and i just need to listen to the midwives

i will do anything as long as it gets my little boy here safe and well im not bothered about me x

 

[dolly26]

Be open minded to all types of delivery is all I can say. I had a failed induction with an emergency c-section. Also gas and air was wonderful I was able to completely chill out and once I had the epidural honestly I slept from 2 until 5. Good luck you will do great

 

[Dovekie]

Thanks for all of the advice ladies

I do plan on going with the flow, but have some preferences that I'd like to make clear in a birth plan, so that I don't have to explain when i'm getting contractions!

Do they babies get injected with vitamin K after birth? Anyone refusing that?

 

[kumber]

I didn't refuse as I didn't see a reason not to. They can't make the vitamin themselves and our bodies need it, so my view was they might as well have it

 

[Eryinera]

The thing I wish I had known was that they were going ask me if I wanted t feel the baby come out. I was not prepared for that question at all I'm pretty sure I stopped mid push to give the midwife a quizzical look and ands her if she thought I was freaking crazy lol

 

[BettyHoop]

Thanks for all of the advice ladies

I do plan on going with the flow, but have some preferences that I'd like to make clear in a birth plan, so that I don't have to explain when i'm getting contractions!

Do they babies get injected with vitamin K after birth? Anyone refusing that?

Vitamin k is a clotting factor that is lacking in babies and there is a risk of baby having an internal bleed after birth from which they can't heal and that's why vit k is given. The risk is minimal but there's not a lot of scientific evidence to say there's any risk giving them vit k. I've asked for mine to be given it in oral form though as it's less trauma for the baby after birth. You have to give 3 doses over 12 weeks I think because they can have delayed bleeding. The literature says they don't get enough from breastmilk to make a difference unfortunately xx

 

[SalisburyMum]

If you have a water birth or plan any time in the water, please take good moisturiser and socks.

When you come out of the water get someone to dry and moisturise your feet, mine weren't treated and cracked dreadfully.

 

[redbear]

I just let her have the injection, I didn't even notice them doing it.
Omg the feel the head I was like hell no I'll feel it when it's out. I thought it was weird. Xx

 

[Eryinera]

Lol I'm glad it's not just kept hat was freaked out by that. I was so unprepared for the question it really took me out of the moment lol and everybody was laughing at my response lol

 

[redbear]

Lol I'm glad it's not just kept hat was freaked out by that. I was so unprepared for the question it really took me out of the moment lol and everybody was laughing at my response lol

Yeah it's gross or am I weird haha

 

[knopk@]

Have a set plan, brief your birth partner so they know what you want. You can refuse sweep etc. Its your body. They also need your consent to examine you.
Be open minded if things dont go the way you planned.
Personally, I refused pethidine as it affecs babies as well. I would definitely go for gas and air first.

 

[YorksLass]

Put down your ideals and do push for them if that's what you really want. I was deternined to birth in a pool and it was definitely the best thing for me - as soon as I got in, I felt sooo much better, even fell asleep for a bit haha!
Forceps are generally only used when they really have to be, for the safety of the baby. Trust the midwives!
Things can happen that mean you need to go off plan, but it's worth noting down your best case scenario so they're aware of it
Good luck!

 

[YorksLass]

Ooh, I ended up feeling the head myself as it was starting to crown! I was a quiet one and they didn't know I'd gotten to the pushing stage when I had. I felt it to see what was going on and was weirded out! It feels bloody weird before it comes out properly. I remember saying 'erm... I think I can feel the head!' And then 2 midwives ran in haha!